There are various hormonal methods for birth control, which work by changing the chemistry of a woman's body. Sperm cannot fertilize if there is no egg released. This concept is widely agreed as a proven mechanism to prevent pregnancy. By making difficult for sperm to reach the egg, the hormonal contraceptives have proven its effectiveness to prevent fertilization. Women naturally produce two types of hormones namely, estrogen and progestin. All the contraceptives that are based on hormones contain artificial estrogen and progestin as their ingredient.



Various hormonal contrceptives

Some hormonal contraceptives contain both the hormones while some have progestin only. The contraceptives containing both the hormones are more effective than that of containing progestin only. The former prevent the sperm to reach the egg while the later prevent the release of egg from the ovaries. Below are the several forms of hormonal contraceptives available in the market.

Pills

Pills are also called oral contraceptives. Pills are of two types. Those pills that contain only progestin are called "mini pills". It works by not allowing sperm to reach to the uterus. Even if an egg becomes fertilized, this pill prevents implantation. In the other hand those pill containing both the hormones (estrogen and progestin) are called combination pills. It also affects the condition of the uterus in the same manner but since it contains estrogen, it prevents release of eggs.

Pills come in 28 days package or in 21 days package. Both the pills are effective for only one menstrual cycle i.e., for four weeks only. Both the pills contain only 21 active pills. But in 28 days pack you will get a reminder pill for 7 days so that you can start you next course in time. If you take your pill every day on same time then only these pills will be effective.

Vaginal Ring

It is a thin flexible ring coated with estrogen and progestin. It is inserted into vagina to prevent birth control.

It directly supplies the hormones to the organs that need them. Within the five days of menstrual period it must be inserted. After insertion a backup method is recommended for the first week so that body adjusts to hormones. If inserted and used properly, the vaginal ring is effective for more than 99%.

Injection as hormonal contraceptive

It comes in the form of injection and administered a shot to prevent pregnancy. This is also of two types. One Depo Provera that contain only progestin. Once it has been administered, it prevents pregnancy for three months. The other brand is Lunelle. It has both estrogen and progestin. It has to be taken on monthly basis.

Only a trained nurse of doctor can inject it in arm or buttock. It has to be taken every one or three months as per your choice of brand. Within 5 days of the start of menstrual period, first injection must be taken. It starts working immediately. It has about 3% failure rate.

Since it is easily available, hormonal contraceptives are very popular. Almost all the hormonal contraceptive work on the same mechanism but the forms are different.

Find more information visit: How Hormonal Methods Work